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Developing Educators and Promoting Achievement (DEPA)

Strengthening Nebraska’s Teaching Workforce

A group of students and faculty sit around a table in a classroom, engaged in discussion. Papers, notebooks, and drinks are scattered across the table.

Students participate in the Summit of Transformative Educator Pathways (STEPs) program

🎯 Project Focus: Nebraska is experiencing a significant teacher shortage, creating challenges in meeting the needs of K-12 students. The Developing Educators and Promoting Achievement (DEPA) project seeks to recruit, retain, and support educators, ensuring schools have access to well-prepared teachers. By expanding UNO’s role in teacher preparation and workforce development, DEPA is helping to address Nebraska’s growing demand for qualified educators​.

💡 Why It Matters

  • Nebraska faces a critical teacher shortage: Schools across the state are struggling to fill teaching positions, requiring new strategies for recruitment and retention.
  • A well-supported workforce leads to stronger schools: Investing in mentorship, training, and financial support ensures teachers are set up for long-term success.
  • Education is key to economic growth: Strengthening the teacher pipeline benefits students, schools, and the broader community by ensuring a stable and well-trained workforce.

🚀 Key Initiatives

  • Summit of Transformative Educator Pathways (STEPs)
    • Annual statewide summit to engage and recruit high school and college students into the teaching profession.
    • Has already seen 140% growth in attendance over three years.
  • Mentorship & Professional Support
    • Pairs teacher candidates with experienced educators for guidance, career development, and classroom success.
    • Aims to reduce burnout and improve teacher retention.
  • Scholarships & Financial Assistance
    • Connects student to scholarship opportunities, FAFSA assistance, and financial literacy workshops to remove economic barriers for aspiring teachers.
  • Statewide Educator Network
    • A first-of-its-kind database to support networking, mentorship, and professional development for teachers across Nebraska.

📈 Impact Goals

  • Increase enrollment in UNO’s Teacher Education program by 15% over five years.
  • Improve retention rates for early-career educators through mentorship and targeted support.
  • Expand partnerships with local school districts, community organizations, and NU system institutions to create a sustainable teacher pipeline.
  • Enhance UNO’s reputation as a leader in teacher preparation and workforce development through research, conference presentations, and grant funding.